Skaters Share Their Excitement As They Prepare To Compete In The 2018 WFTDA Continental Cup: North America West

The first 2018 WFTDA Continental Cup – North America West starts today in Omaha, Neb., featuring leagues from Australia, the U.S., and Canada. Last weekend’s inaugural Continental Cup in Kalamazoo, Michigan broke every single bracket in the Derby On Toast WFTDA Bracket Challenge 2018, and this tournament promises to be just as exciting. We asked some of the competing skaters what they are most looking forward to this weekend — read on for their answers!

As always, you can follow the action live with your wftda.tv watch pass. The first game, a matchup between E-Ville Roller Derby and Pikes Peak Derby Dames, will be streamed live for free on Twitch at 10 a.m. CDT.

Matthew Becker Photography

Rocky Mountain Rollergirls

Denver, Colo., U.S. (Seed #1)

“I’m so proud of the work my team has put in this season. Coming in as the top seed is evidence of the blood, sweat, and tears we’ve all put in. We are incredibly proud to represent the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls in the first ever North America West Continental Cup and are hoping we come home with a medal!

— Fiona Grapple, pivot and co-captain

Suitcase Photography

Canberra Roller Derby League

Canberra, ACT, Australia (Seed #2)

“We are very excited to be participating in our first international WFTDA tournament! Celebrating 10 years strong as a league, the Vice City Rollers will skate proud and represent Canberra Roller Derby League with all that we have this weekend. Together with our hearts, minds, and bodies, we are ready to give it everything.”

— Bambi von Smash’er and Shortstop, co-captains

Jim Dier

Tucson Roller Derby

Tucson, Ariz., U.S. (Seed #3)

“Tucson is over the moon excited to show the world what we represent: grace, class, resiliency, focus, and style.”

— Ema Sculator, co-captain and blocker

David Dyte

Calgary Roller Derby

Calgary, Alta., Canada (Seed #5)

“This Continental Cup is our third postseason tournament in three seasons (and our third tournament in 2018) and we’re feeling very motivated to make some magic happen. We’re also really excited to be repping Canada with two of our fellow Western Canadian teams!”

— Preacher’s Slaughter, co-captain

Danforth Johnson

Jet City Roller Derby

Everett, Wash. U.S. (Seed #7)

“Coming out of a league-wide restructure, I am amazed at how supportive and flexible our leaguemates have been. They are the reason we have remained competitive in 2018. We are excited to compete in Omaha this weekend and show all of Jet City how their hard work has made this postseason possible! We are fired up and ready to play!”

— Simon LeBomb, blocker

Happy Valley Derby Darlins

Lindon, Utah, U.S. (Seed #8)

“This tournament is really putting our league on the map. Finally, a chance to have all of our hard work acknowledged.”

— Blue

“I’m so excited for everyone to see Happy Valley show up and throw down. We have fun, fight, and focus!”

— Em’ Terprise

Regularman Photography

Boulder County Bombers

Longmont, Colo., U.S. (Seed #9)

“The Boulder County Bombers have been through a lot this season, and we are ready to show the world that no matter what is thrown at us, we are ready to bring it to the Continental Cup! We are all so honored and excited to be representing our league in this tournament. We couldn’t have gotten here without trust, faith, and hope in our league and support from the derby world.”

— Feist E. One, jammer and captain

Jason Orton Photography

No Coast Derby Girls

Lincoln, Neb., U.S. (Seed #10)

“It’s always exciting to be invited to the WFTDA postseason, and to be able to skate in Omaha, so close to home this year, is just icing on the cake. Time to leave it all out on the track this weekend — No Coast No Mercy!”

— Ripa, captain

Mark Bloom

Pikes Peak Derby Dames

Colorado Springs, Colo., U.S. (Seed #11)

“I’m excited to play, to see all the different places being represented at the different Cups, and that the Cups are bringing Roller Derby to all kinds of places around the world!”